An exceptionally rare bird for China has been recorded in Mai Po Nature Reserve. The new bird, Great Thick-knee, was first seen by Mai Po staff at Gei wai #16/17, the main high-tide roost at the Mai Po Nature Reserve, on 24 th June, 2009. The bird is a new species to Hong Kong and incredibly rare in China.

Since the 1960's, only a few have been positively identified from Yunnan and Hainan provinces. The sighting at Mai Po Nature Reserve is considerably further east than all other records for this species in Asia. “This is an astonishing record for Hong Kong given its rarity in China and comes at a time when Hong Kong is in its quietest season for birds,” said Bena Smith, WWF Hong Kong Mai Po Nature Reserve Manager.

Within a few hours of being found, over 30 birdwatchers and photographers rushed to see the bird. The next day many more birdwatchers including a group from Shenzhen turned up at dawn to search for the Thick-knee. “The recent trend of new bird species being found in the Mai Po area is great news for birdwatchers. We suspect the Thick-knee's appearance may be due to weather patterns such as the recent winds coming directly from Vietnam where the bird is resident, but as with the other new birds we can only speculate,” Bena Smith added.

This is the fourth new bird species for Hong Kong found at Mai Po since 2008 December. WWF hopes the discovery of these new birds will encourage more members of the public to visit Mai Po Nature Reserve.

Great Thick-knee's Profile

English Name : Great Thick-knee
Scientific Name : Esacus recurvirostris
Habitat : Gravel banks along rivers or large lakes, and beaches
Body Feature :

• body size around 49 -55 cm
• distinctive black and white face pattern
• unusually large eyes to help it forage at night
• thick-knees and a massive 7cm upturned bill to eat prey such as crabs, large insects and other small animals